Patient Befriender (ADVERTISING)

Job overview

About North Bristol Trust’s Volunteer Services

Volunteers make a unique and valuable contribution to patients, carers, relatives, visitors and staff at North Bristol Trust (NBT).

Volunteer Services have patients at the heart of everything we do and we aim to enhance the patient experience and support NBT staff through creating and supporting meaningful volunteer roles. NBT has established a valued, skilled and passionate team of over 400 volunteers across the Trust from patient befrienders, meet and greeters, Spiritual and Pastoral Care volunteers, Fresh Arts volunteers, and many more.

Our vision is to: To deliver an inclusive, supportive, and safe Volunteer Service, driven by continuous learning and our commitment to put the patient experience at the heart of everything we do.

Main duties of the job

Patient Befriender  Volunteer

We are looking for volunteers to provide company and companionship to suitable patients, spending time with them on the wards, engaging in conversation or activities, with the support and supervision of ward staff.

We are looking for volunteers who enjoy meeting new people, have excellent listening skills, and a friendly and open manner. In return you will meet new people and contribute to improving the wellbeing of our patients. You will also gain practical volunteer experience and learn about the healthcare environment gaining experience that may be transferable to paid employment.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• Speak to the nurse in charge upon arrival, who will provide information on what patient to offer befriending support
• Provide companionship to patients by talking and listening to them
• Encourage patients to participate in social and recreational activities, such as reading (this could be reading to patients or encouraging and supporting them to read to themselves), doing a jigsaw, sharing a crossword, playing cards, or other appropriate activities that appeal to the patient
• If you would like to do a creative or a musical activity with the patient, please consult Volunteer Services so that the activities align with Fresh Arts Guidelines
• Prompt patients to make their menu choices for the next day’s meals and recording these on their menu request form
• Chat with carers and signposting to the hospital’s carers liaison service
• Assist patients to fill in patient feedback forms when discharged
• Buy items from the hospital shop on the patient’s behalf, with permission from the patient and knowledge of the nurse in charge
• Notify the appropriate staff member if the patient would like refreshments, or assistance
• Escalate any concerns immediately to a member of staff